Economic Backdrop The Ottoman’s capital city, Istanbul, was located in between the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Silk Road, and Europe, making them a central hub for trade. The Ottoman empire had a strong trade relationship with Venice and often the two places would influence each other culturally. The Ottomans were also very active traders on the silk road, often being influenced by Central Asian styles of art, trade, agriculture, and weapon design. Because the Ottomans were such active traders, their economy was very strong. They would often show off the amount of money that they had by constructing monumental buildings around their territories. They were also able to pay for better armies and were better able to care for the empire with their wealth.
Political Backdrop The Ottomans were a dynastic empire formed by a group of Turkish people that rose to power after the black death. Because they were a dynastic empire, they used a system of hereditary power inheritance. They had a strong bureaucracy which meant that most decisions were made by state officials. They used their strong military to gain power and spread influence. Their invasion of Constantinople in 1453 was one of the most notable conquerings because it set up a place that would be the most effective for them to create a strong political system. They were able to easily expand their empire into Europe because the continent was in extreme disarray after the black death and the Ottoman’s location allowed them to easily travel there. The Ottomans were successfully led under the rule of a succession of leaders.
Government Structure
The Ottoman Empire was a dynastic empire which meant that power would be passed down through a royal family. The leaders often claimed that they had received guidance from a higher religious power which justified why they should have control. They were a bureaucracy which meant that the sultan would take guidance from his administrators and the administrators would enforce his rule over the subjects.
Urban Life
Often people that lived in the cities participated actively in trade and commercial affairs. Merchants often flocked to more urban landscapes rather than rural. Rural Life
There were many farmers and workers that would create goods that could be exported or kept for the Empire.
Men
Women
Both
to avoid being weakened by their sexuality,
which was considered very strong, women
would dress very modestly
Sexuality was something separate from
themselves and something that they had
complete control over
Sexuality was considered a trait that was
inherently part of being a woman so women
were secluded to protect themselves
Sexual violence or violations were considered
wrong for both genders, so if a man or woman both
committed adultery, assault, or prostitution they
they would both be punished.
Wealthy men could be polygamous or
have concubines
Mainly Monogamous
Men would work and have careers outside
of the house
Women maintained the home and family
Men received a dowry from the women
they were to marry.
Women were encouraged to marry at a
young age and into their twenties, they
given a dowry to give to their husband
Ottoman Crash Course 4:51
Education
Education in the Ottoman Empire was usually provided by public servants or religious figures because there were often churches and libraries located inside mosques or other grand buildings created by the empire. Those who were in line to lead the empire were educated in war tactics and leadership strategies from a young age. The leaders of the Empire were advised by Grand Visseres who were also given a high education. Many often studied religion and the trade they planned to go into when they grew up.
Art in the Ottoman Empire was often created to reflect the power that they had attained and their military conquests. Because of the importance of military in the empire, the Ottomans created intricate battle instruments that were considered as art. They would craft intricately designed helmets and armor out of precious metals. They were also very fond of the art of caligraphy and handwriting styles. Often signatures or quotes were shown as art because they were created with grace and beauty.
Poet: Mahmud 'Abd-al Baqi (1526–1600)
Object Name: Folio from an illustrated manuscript
Date: last quarter 16th century
Geography: Turkey
Culture: Islamic
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
The piece follows a theme of war that was very common in the ottoman empire. The picture depicts the triumphs and conquests of the Ottomans as they invaded different cities. It was a piece that accompanied a collection of poems that further exposed the pleasures and notable events of the Ottoman Empire.
Object Name: Tughra
Date: 1555–60
Geography: Turkey, Istanbul
Culture: Islamic
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Consisting of his father’s name and the phrase “eternally victorious” the Tughra was considered to be the signature of Suleiman the Magnificent. In order to create the emblems for leaders such as Suleiman, professional artists were hired to create symbols that could not be easily copied. The signature would be featured on important documents, letters, and decorations.
Sword maker: Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü (possibly Iranian, active Istanbul, ca. 1520–30)
Date: ca. 1525
Geography: Istanbul
Culture: Turkish, Istanbul
Medium: Steel, walrus ivory, gold, silver, ruby, turquoise, pearl
This piece expresses the theme among the ottomans to create luxury items and items related to war. It combined elegance with war which was a common theme in Ottoman art. The handle and techniques used in the molding were inspired by the Chinese, most likely introduced when the Chinese traded with Persia. [1] This type of sword is a traditional Turkish weapon with a double curved blade and no handle.
Date: early 17th century Culture: TurkishMedium: Copper alloy (tombak), gold
This piece, similar to the sword, expresses the pride that the Ottomans took in their military conquests. The theme of war in Ottoman culture is often used because they were constantly at war to expand their empire. This style of helmet was new to the Islamic world as of the 16th century. The color and style were created in order to create an aesthetic appeal to the helmet, showing that it was only for ceremonial use [2] The helmet would have belonged to a high ranking officer due to its highly decorated appearance and little functionality.
Dragon Wrapped around Saz Leaves
Object Name: IIllustrated single work Date: ca. 1550–70Geography: Turkey, IstanbulCulture: IslamicMedium: Main support: ink on paper Border: Gold, ink, and opaque watercolor on paper This piece represents the Ottoman's success in the peak of their empire. Featuring the symbols of leaves and the dragon, it represents elegance and superiority. This was often a theme seen in the Ottoman empire because at their peak they were a very strong and prosperous empire, so they created art to reflect that. Signed by Hamdullah ibn Mustafa Dede
Geography: Turkey (Istanbul)
Medium: Ink, colors, and gold on paper; marbled paper, leather binding
Date ca. 1500 This piece shows that the Ottomans valued hadwriting and calligraphy as high forms of art. This was created by a highly celebrated Turkish artist in the 1500s named Shaikh Hamdullah. Shaikh was very famous for developing new styles of caligraphy and writing.
The Ottomans were very accepting of religion, but they were especially n favor of the spread of Islam. Many influencial leaders sucha as Suleiman or Selim II built mosques or other religious buildings to support the higher powers. Many leaders also believed that they received some of their power and wisdom from religious figures. The mosques they built were often a pert of their style of monumental architecture which was to make them seem closer to religious figures and gods.
Architecture
Ottoman Architecure was established into a tradition in the 16th century after developing throughout the 14th and 15th centuries. The style was highly integrated with religion and often combined living and worship. [3] They often expressed their wealth and power through designing and building extravagant mosques, mausoleums, madrasahs, and tekkes or zeviyes. Their architecture was often centered around religion, often they would build large buildings with attached housing for religious figures.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest landmarks in Istanbul, the city that was previously Constantinople. It was commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent, one of the Ottoman empire's most influential leaders. It was built between 1550 and 1557 it was considered the Ottoman's most beautiful mosque, featuring gardens, a three-sided forecourt, and many towers. [4] Mosques built during this time period often served educational, religious, recreational, social, and commercial functions. [5] The mosque featured large domes which became a trademark for Ottoman Architecture. Within the mosque, there was a hospital, library, several rooms for worship, and a cemetery. The objective when creating this building, was to make an association with god or sanctity in matters relating to the Sultan and the government. 360 virtual tours
Ottoman Empire by Mary Hanrahan
Map during the time period
http://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=348323&p=2347109Economic Backdrop
The Ottoman’s capital city, Istanbul, was located in between the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Silk Road, and Europe, making them a central hub for trade. The Ottoman empire had a strong trade relationship with Venice and often the two places would influence each other culturally. The Ottomans were also very active traders on the silk road, often being influenced by Central Asian styles of art, trade, agriculture, and weapon design. Because the Ottomans were such active traders, their economy was very strong. They would often show off the amount of money that they had by constructing monumental buildings around their territories. They were also able to pay for better armies and were better able to care for the empire with their wealth.
Political Backdrop
The Ottomans were a dynastic empire formed by a group of Turkish people that rose to power after the black death. Because they were a dynastic empire, they used a system of hereditary power inheritance. They had a strong bureaucracy which meant that most decisions were made by state officials. They used their strong military to gain power and spread influence. Their invasion of Constantinople in 1453 was one of the most notable conquerings because it set up a place that would be the most effective for them to create a strong political system. They were able to easily expand their empire into Europe because the continent was in extreme disarray after the black death and the Ottoman’s location allowed them to easily travel there. The Ottomans were successfully led under the rule of a succession of leaders.
Government Structure
The Ottoman Empire was a dynastic empire which meant that power would be passed down through a royal family. The leaders often claimed that they had received guidance from a higher religious power which justified why they should have control. They were a bureaucracy which meant that the sultan would take guidance from his administrators and the administrators would enforce his rule over the subjects.
Timeline
https://app.conceptboard.com/board/u3rn-ickt-z0k7-yh9q-m4sn#
Social Backdrop
Urban Life
Often people that lived in the cities participated actively in trade and commercial affairs. Merchants often flocked to more urban landscapes rather than rural.
Rural Life
There were many farmers and workers that would create goods that could be exported or kept for the Empire.
which was considered very strong, women
would dress very modestly
themselves and something that they had
complete control over
inherently part of being a woman so women
were secluded to protect themselves
wrong for both genders, so if a man or woman both
committed adultery, assault, or prostitution they
they would both be punished.
have concubines
of the house
they were to marry.
young age and into their twenties, they
given a dowry to give to their husband
Ottoman Crash Course 4:51
Education
Education in the Ottoman Empire was usually provided by public servants or religious figures because there were often churches and libraries located inside mosques or other grand buildings created by the empire. Those who were in line to lead the empire were educated in war tactics and leadership strategies from a young age. The leaders of the Empire were advised by Grand Visseres who were also given a high education. Many often studied religion and the trade they planned to go into when they grew up.http://muslimheritage.com/article/madrasa-education-during-early-ottoman-period
Artistic Innovation
Art in the Ottoman Empire was often created to reflect the power that they had attained and their military conquests. Because of the importance of military in the empire, the Ottomans created intricate battle instruments that were considered as art. They would craft intricately designed helmets and armor out of precious metals. They were also very fond of the art of caligraphy and handwriting styles. Often signatures or quotes were shown as art because they were created with grace and beauty.Poet: Mahmud 'Abd-al Baqi (1526–1600)
Object Name: Folio from an illustrated manuscript
Date: last quarter 16th century
Geography: Turkey
Culture: Islamic
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
The piece follows a theme of war that was very common in the ottoman empire. The picture depicts the triumphs and conquests of the Ottomans as they invaded different cities. It was a piece that accompanied a collection of poems that further exposed the pleasures and notable events of the Ottoman Empire.
Object Name: Tughra
Date: 1555–60
Geography: Turkey, Istanbul
Culture: Islamic
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Consisting of his father’s name and the phrase “eternally victorious” the Tughra was considered to be the signature of Suleiman the Magnificent. In order to create the emblems for leaders such as Suleiman, professional artists were hired to create symbols that could not be easily copied. The signature would be featured on important documents, letters, and decorations.
Sword maker: Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü (possibly Iranian, active Istanbul, ca. 1520–30)
Date: ca. 1525
Geography: Istanbul
Culture: Turkish, Istanbul
Medium: Steel, walrus ivory, gold, silver, ruby, turquoise, pearl
This piece expresses the theme among the ottomans to create luxury items and items related to war. It combined elegance with war which was a common theme in Ottoman art. The handle and techniques used in the molding were inspired by the Chinese, most likely introduced when the Chinese traded with Persia. [1] This type of sword is a traditional Turkish weapon with a double curved blade and no handle.
Date: early 17th century
Culture: TurkishMedium: Copper alloy (tombak), gold
This piece, similar to the sword, expresses the pride that the Ottomans took in their military conquests. The theme of war in Ottoman culture is often used because they were constantly at war to expand their empire. This style of helmet was new to the Islamic world as of the 16th century. The color and style were created in order to create an aesthetic appeal to the helmet, showing that it was only for ceremonial use [2] The helmet would have belonged to a high ranking officer due to its highly decorated appearance and little functionality.
Object Name: IIllustrated single work
Date: ca. 1550–70Geography: Turkey, IstanbulCulture: IslamicMedium: Main support: ink on paper Border: Gold, ink, and opaque watercolor on paper
This piece represents the Ottoman's success in the peak of their empire. Featuring the symbols of leaves and the dragon, it represents elegance and superiority. This was often a theme seen in the Ottoman empire because at their peak they were a very strong and prosperous empire, so they created art to reflect that.
Signed by Hamdullah ibn Mustafa Dede
Geography: Turkey (Istanbul)
Medium: Ink, colors, and gold on paper; marbled paper, leather binding
Date ca. 1500
This piece shows that the Ottomans valued hadwriting and calligraphy as high forms of art. This was created by a highly celebrated Turkish artist in the 1500s named Shaikh Hamdullah. Shaikh was very famous for developing new styles of caligraphy and writing.
[1] "Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü | Yataghan from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) | Turkish, Istanbul." Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü. Accessed November 05, 2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/24953.
[2]
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/26563.
Classic literary texts
https://books.google.com/books?id=u9YTCgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=anthology+ottoman+empire&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAmoVChMIsf708Yz6yAIVRck-Ch0wOQhP#v=onepage&q=anthology%20ottoman%20empire&f=false
Religion
The Ottomans were very accepting of religion, but they were especially n favor of the spread of Islam. Many influencial leaders sucha as Suleiman or Selim II built mosques or other religious buildings to support the higher powers. Many leaders also believed that they received some of their power and wisdom from religious figures. The mosques they built were often a pert of their style of monumental architecture which was to make them seem closer to religious figures and gods.Architecture
Ottoman Architecure was established into a tradition in the 16th century after developing throughout the 14th and 15th centuries. The style was highly integrated with religion and often combined living and worship. [3] They often expressed their wealth and power through designing and building extravagant mosques, mausoleums, madrasahs, and tekkes or zeviyes. Their architecture was often centered around religion, often they would build large buildings with attached housing for religious figures.Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest landmarks in Istanbul, the city that was previously Constantinople.It was commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent, one of the Ottoman empire's most influential leaders.
It was built between 1550 and 1557 it was considered the Ottoman's most beautiful mosque, featuring gardens, a three-sided forecourt, and many towers. [4] Mosques built during this time period often served educational, religious, recreational, social, and commercial functions. [5] The mosque featured large domes which became a trademark for Ottoman Architecture. Within the mosque, there was a hospital, library, several rooms for worship, and a cemetery. The objective when creating this building, was to make an association with god or sanctity in matters relating to the Sultan and the government.
360 virtual tours
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Süleymaniye_Mosque
[3] TheOttomans.org - Discover The Ottoman Art." TheOttomans.org - Discover The Ottoman Art. Accessed November 04, 2015. http://www.theottomans.org/english/art_culture/index.asp.
[4] "Suleymaniye Mosque." http://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/istanbul/sights/religious/suleymaniye-mosque.
[5] "Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." The Art of the Ottomans before 1600. Accessed November 05, 2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/otto1/hd_otto1.htm.
Observations about what we have learned.
Throughout the project, I found that the Ottoman empire was a very advanced civilization that can be difficult to learn about through computer based research. Online, it is very difficult to find accurate sources that will provide the information needed in all categories. The Ottomans had a large effect on the world during their time, so finding a source that showed more that just an overview of their achievements was hard. With the information I found, combined with what I learned during our Ottoman Empire unit, I found that the Ottomans were very talented craftsmen and very strategic leaders. The advanced civilization was vary fascinating to learn about by using computer based research.Bibliography"Chronology of Ottoman Empire (1259-1924 A.D.)." Chronology of Ottoman Empire (1259-1924 A.D.). Accessed November 05, 2015. http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/imperialism/notes/ottomanchron.html. "Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." The Art of the Ottomans before 1600. Accessed November 05, 2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/otto1/hd_otto1.htm. http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/26563. "Suleymaniye Mosque." http://www.lonelyplanet.com/turkey/istanbul/sights/religious/suleymaniye-mosque. "TASTE OF THE PAST - Women in Ottoman Society." Women in Ottoman Society. Accessed November 05, 2015. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/women-in-ottoman-society-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=15651&NewsCatID=438. "TheOttomans.org - Discover The Ottoman Art." TheOttomans.org - Discover The Ottoman Art. Accessed November 04, 2015. http://www.theottomans.org/english/art_culture/index.asp. "Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü | Yataghan from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66) | Turkish, Istanbul." Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü. Accessed November 05, 2015. http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/24953.